Ears

The ears have 2 roles – hearing and balance. Find out about the structures in the ears, how they work, problems that can affect the ears and how to care for your ears.

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Objects in the ear

It is most likely children who will poke something into their ear. This can cause pain, swelling or even deafness. Get advice here about how to look after yourself should you have an object in your ear.

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Ear wax

Ear wax (cerumen) is produced by tiny glands in the ear canal and helps keep the ears clean. Find out how to treat a build-up of ear wax.

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Fluid from the ear

Fluid from your ear is usually just ear wax, but sometimes it can indicate illness or injury. Read more here about the causes and treatments.

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Surgery for cholesteatoma

A cholesteatoma is a sac of dead skin cells that forms in your middle ear, which can damage your ear and cause complications. Surgery is the only cure.

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Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the balancing centre in your inner ear. Find out how it may come about, its symptoms and the treatment options.

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Ear infection

Ear infections are common but usually go away on their own. Learn about the different types of ear infections, the symptoms in adults and children and how to prevent ear infections.

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Glue ear

Glue ear develops when the liquid inside your middle ear gets trapped and thickens. Learn about its causes, symptoms and treatment.

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Swimmer's ear (otitis externa)

Swimmer's ear is an inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal. Learn what you can do to avoid the risks of developing swimmer’s ear.

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Ear diseases and disorders

Ear conditions may be caused by problems in the ear, the neck, sinuses or head. Babies and children are more vulnerable to ear infection. Learn more here.

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Otitis media (middle ear infection)

Otitis media (middle ear infection) is common and often disappears by itself. Know how to recognise the symptoms and when it might need treatment.

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Earache

Earache is common and it's often the result of an ear infection. Find out what causes a ear pain, how to treat a sore ear to provide relief.

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Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is an inherited condition that affects the middle ear and is a common cause of deafness. Find out about the 2 ways to treat otosclerosis.

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Pinnaplasty (adult)

This procedure permanently makes the ears sit closer to the sides of the head.

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Pinnaplasty (child)

Pinnaplasty for children permanently makes your child’s ears sit closer to the sides of their head.

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Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the ear that causes hearing and balance problems. There's no cure, but the symptoms can be managed.

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Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, whistling or hissing in one or both ears when there is no outside sound. Find out when you should get help.

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8 ‘healthy’ habits that might not be so healthy

'Healthy’ habits, such as removing ear wax or drinking kombucha, might not be that healthy after all. They might even be harmful. Check this list and start 2020 right.

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Grommets

Grommets are tiny ventilation tubes. They are put into the eardrum to prevent a build-up of fluid. Learn more about how to care for grommets here.

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Toothache and swelling

Toothache can start suddenly, with pain ranging from mild to very strong. It may extend from the tooth to the head, ear and jaw. Find out about pain relief options.

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Myringoplasty (child)

A perforated eardrum is a common problem. A myringoplasty can prevent infections and sometimes improve your child's hearing.

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Sports injuries

Links to articles about sports injuries.

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Brain injuries

Information about brain injuries from leading Australian health organisations, including links to acquired brain injury and concussion.

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Head injuries

Head injuries can be serious, even if they’re not visible. Read about the signs and symptoms here.

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Subdural haematoma

A subdural haematoma is an emergency condition that can result from a head injury. Here's why it's so important to seek urgent medical attention.

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Acquired brain injury (ABI)

ABI is the result of damage to your brain, which may occur due to injury at any time during your life. Learn more here.

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Concussion

Concussion is a short-term loss of brain function following a head injury. Learn more about the causes, signs and symptoms of concussion.

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Cochlear implant

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that stimulate the hearing nerve to provide sounds directly to the brain. They are are designed to recognise signals as sound, which in turn help understand speech.

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Nose and throat

Your nose and throat are part of your respiratory system. Learn more about their functions and conditions that can affect your nose and throat.

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Laryngoscopy

A laryngoscopy is usually a safe and effective way of finding out if there is a problem with your larynx.

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